Potty training is one of the challenges of child rearing that intimidates many parents. By waiting until your child is ready to take this step, remaining calm and keeping your attitude positive, you can help him master potty training and enjoy the dry days and nights ahead.
Assessing Readiness
Before attempting to potty train your child, look for signals that she is ready. Trying to teach your child to use the toilet before she's ready will likely just create resentment and frustration for both of you. Most children are not ready until about 2 1/2 years of age, and some may not be ready for another year or so after that. She should have some interest in wearing underwear and using the toilet, should stay dry for about two hours at a time during the day, and should be able to follow simple directions. Other signs of readiness include expressing discomfort when her diaper is wet or dirty and being able to let you know that she needs to go or has already gone to the bathroom. It is best to wait until your child is able to pull her pants up and down by herself.
Tips
Depending on your preference, you can use a small potty chair or a ring that goes on the big toilet. The advantage to the smaller potty chair is that it looks less intimidating to a toddler. The advantage to the ring is that it may make transitioning to a regular toilet easier later. Start off by demonstrating that the potty or toilet is where bodily waste goes. Allow your child to flush the toilet after you have used it, if he is not afraid. Also, dump the contents of his diaper into the toilet or potty to show him exactly what it's for. Always use positive reinforcement, and do not shame your child or make a big deal about accidents.
Bedwetting
Even after your child uses the potty regularly during the day, he still may wet the bed at night to 5 years of age or beyond. His bladder might be too small to hold his urine all night long, and he might not wake up easily, particularly if he is a deep sleeper. Protect the mattress with a waterproof pad, and if desired, have your child wear overnight diapers to bed while you wait patiently for him to be able to stay dry through the night. If you have concerns about your child's bedwetting, talk to his pediatrician.
Considerations
If you try to potty train your child and she does not seem to understand or seems unwilling, consider putting her back in diapers and trying again in a few months. If she is able to use the toilet for urine but not for bowel movements, determine whether she is constipated. If she has small, hard stools and stomach pains, talk to her pediatrician about ways to relieve constipation, such as by adding more fiber to her diet or reducing her dairy consumption.
